System for opening an article encasement

ABSTRACT

A system for opening encased articles has a cutting apparatus that includes a channel formed from spaced-apart parallel walls. A cutting member having a cutting edge extends from one wall into the channel. A protrusion disposed in the channel at least partially overlaps and at least partially obstructs the cutting member. The channel is adapted for receiving the flanged edge of the article and the protrusion is displaceable to expose the cutting edge of the cutting member. A system further has the cutting apparatus juxtaposed with a container for storing at least one encased article.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 60/756,094,filed Jan. 3, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the packaging of encased articles such as thosewrapped in a protective seal and, more specifically, to a system forstoring and opening encased articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A blister pack is a type of package wherein items or articles to beprotected are sealed between a substantially planar substrate and atleast one concave compartment structure called a blister. Several termsin the art of blister-type packaging have interchangeable meanings anddefinitions; therefore, the following naming convention will be usedherein for clarity. The term “blister” is used herein to refer to thebubble of plastic or similar material that forms the actual protectiveencasement for an item or article. The terms “unit dose blister” and“unit dose blister encasement” are used herein to refer to the packagingformed by a single blister bubble and its associated substrate backing.A unit dose blister encasement typically has at least one flanged edge,and, more typically a flanged perimeter. The term “blister pack” is usedherein to refer to an aggregate of multiple unit dose blisterencasements.

The blister (that is, the bubble) is typically made of a plastic typematerial. The substrate may be paper, foil, plastic, or a laminate ofone or more of these materials. The encased item or article is typicallyremoved by pushing the article or item from the blister side of the packthrough the planar substrate. In the case of a child-resistant package,both the substrate and the blister are made so as to be difficult topenetrate.

The unit dose blister encasement is useful for packaging an individual,or a unit, dose of pharmaceutical products. When used for this purpose,the blister pack is particularly suitable for the packaging anddistribution of multiple unit doses in a single package. A well known,typical blister pack is arranged as an array of individual, or unit,dose blister encasements. In some embodiments, a blister can store morethan a single unit dose. Each blister in a blister pack is typicallysegregated by lines of demarcation. The intersecting lines ofdemarcation define individual unit dose blister encasements. The line ofdemarcation may be a frangible line, such as a perforated line, thatfacilitates separation of a unit dose blister encasement from theblister pack.

A problem with encased articles including those in unit dose blisterencasements and pouches is that often it may be difficult to push theitem, or article through the protective covering. This problem can existbecause the blister substrate is made particularly durable to maintainthe freshness and efficacy of the encased article, or the substrate canbe made to inhibit removal of the encased article or item, as in the useof a child-resistant package. The same is true for pouches with a toughexterior and child-resistance rating. Thus, a need exists for a meansfor facilitating removal of an encased item or article from a blister,blister pack, pouch, or similar protective seal.

It is known to provide a cutting apparatus that employs a protrudingblade to puncture a substrate. However, such blades are typicallyexposed and create a hazard for users. Other known cutting apparatusesare large, costly, and difficult to integrate into containers. Further,cutting apparatuses can typically be used for only one type of encasedarticle.

Although prior attempts to solve the problem of removing an encasedarticle from its protective seal are known, there remains the need for aconvenient means to store encased articles together with a means forsafely and efficiently cutting the unique protective seal that encasesthe article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention overcome theshortcomings of the prior art by providing a system for opening encasedarticles. By way of example and not limitation, an encased articleincludes an item that is sealed by any flexible or semi-flexibleprotective covering, is shrink-wrapped, or is blister-wrapped.

According to one aspect of the invention, a cutting apparatus having achannel for receiving an encased article includes a cutting memberdisposed within the channel so as to engage the seal of the encasedarticle as it is translated within the channel.

According to another aspect of the invention, a cutting apparatus havinga channel for receiving an encased article is defined between two wallsand a cutting member, disposed within the channel, is protected by adisplaceable protrusion.

According to further aspects of the invention, a cutting apparatus isjuxtaposed in various ways with a container for storing at least oneunit dose encasement.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following drawings and detailed description. All suchadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages are includedwithin the scope of the present teaching and are protected by theaccompanying claims.

The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features ofthe present invention, which should be construed to be merelyillustrative of various potential applications of the invention. Otherbeneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed informationin a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosedembodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensiveunderstanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to thedetailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of theinvention defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system foropening unit dose blister encasements, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cuttingapparatus of a system for opening unit dose blister encasements,according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system foropening unit dose blister encasements with a cutting apparatus mountedat an exterior corner of a container, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system foropening unit dose blister encasements, with a cutting apparatus thereofpositioned for juxtaposition with a container, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system foropening unit dose blister encasements, with a cutting apparatus shownadjacent a container, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system foropening unit dose blister encasements, with a cutting apparatuspositioned for juxtaposition with a container, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system foropening unit dose blister encasements, with a cutting apparatus fullyjuxtaposed in place with a container, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system foropening unit dose blister encasements, with a cutting apparatus fullyjuxtaposed in place with a container, according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merelyexemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various andalternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word“exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as anillustration, specimen, model or pattern. The figures are notnecessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimizedto show details of particular components. In other instances, well-knowncomponents, systems, materials, or methods have not been described indetail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate likeelements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate certainof the various aspects of exemplary embodiments of a system for openingan enclosed article including a container and a cutting apparatus. Inthe system, a cutting apparatus includes a cutting member disposed in achannel. The cutting apparatus is protected by a displaceableprotrusion.

Referring first to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a system 10 foropening unit dose blister encasements is illustrated. The system 10includes a container 12 and a cutting apparatus 14. Here, the cuttingapparatus 14 is located within the container 12 and facilitates openingthe seal of an encased article. In operation, the cutting apparatus 14can cut a flanged portion 18 of a unit dose blister 16, such that thesubstrate can be separated from a blister bubble 20 to access an articlewithin the blister 16.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of the cuttingapparatus 14 of a system for opening an enclosed article is illustrated.The cutting apparatus 14 includes a first wall 22 and a second wall 24that at least partially define a channel 26. In the exemplaryembodiment, the walls 22, 24 are substantially parallel to one anotherand each of the walls 22, 24 extend from a base 28. A support wall 30 issubstantially perpendicular to the first wall 22 and extends from thetop end of the first wall 22. However, the orientation and relationbetween the support wall 30 and first wall 22 may change according todesign needs.

The cutting apparatus 14 includes a cutting member 32. The cuttingmember 32 includes a cutting edge 34 and is substantiallyperpendicularly disposed in the channel 26. The cutting member 32 ispositioned such that, as a unit dose blister 16 is translated throughthe channel 26, the cutting edge 34 engages the flanged portion 18 ofthe unit dose blister 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the cuttingmember 32 extends from the first wall 22 toward the second wall 24. Aprotrusion 36 extends from the second wall 24 toward the first wall 22.The protrusion 36 is positioned above, and substantially aligned with,the cutting member 32 in the channel 26. The protrusion 36 is sized,shaped, and positioned to protect and/or hide the cutting member 32.More specifically, the protrusion 36 is designed such that itemstranslating between open ends of the channel 26, or items inserted inthe top of the channel 26, are temporarily obstructed by the protrusion36 until selectively translated or otherwise urged through the channel26. A relief notch 38 is formed opposite the protrusion 36, preferablyat the base of the cutting member 32. One function of the relief notch38 is to receive and accommodate the protrusion 36.

For purposes of teaching, and not limitation, a method of attaching thecutting apparatus 14 to the container 12 to form an exemplary embodimentof a system for opening an enclosed article is now described. Referringto FIG. 1, a cutout 40 is formed in a corner of the container 12. Thecutout 40 defines a flap 42. The cutting apparatus 14 can then beattached to the inside of the container 12 such that the channel 26 ofthe cutting apparatus 14 is accessible. More specifically, the secondwall 24 aligns with, and is attached to, the inside of the flap 42.Additionally, the support wall 30 is attached to the inside of the topwall of the container 12. In some embodiments the flap 42 is eliminatedand the cutting apparatus is attached with sidewalls (not shown), to theinterior sidewalls of the container 12.

In other exemplary embodiments, the cutting apparatus 14 can be attachedto the outside of the container 12. The cutting apparatus 14 can beattached to any corner formed by two walls of the container 12. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3, the cutting apparatus 14 is attached to acorner of the container 12 that is formed by an end wall and the topwall. More specifically, the support wall 30 of the cutting apparatus 14may be attached to the top wall of the container 12, and the first wall22 of the cutting apparatus 14 may be attached to the end wall of thecontainer 12. The cutting apparatus 14 can be attached to the container12 by any suitable means for attachment including tapes, adhesives,mechanical fasteners, Velcro®, and the like.

To access the contents of a unit dose blister 16, the flanged portion 18is translated through the channel. As the flanged portion 18 istranslated through the channel 26, the leading edge of the flangedportion 18 first engages the protrusion 36. The protrusion 36 is shapedsuch that, when the protrusion 36 is engaged by the leading edge of theflanged portion 18, the force against the protrusion 36 causes thesecond wall 24 to deflect. The second wall 24 flexes to allow thecutting member 32 to slit or puncture a blister backing and/or pouch. Inthe exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 36 moves to expose the cuttingmember 32 to the leading edge of the flanged portion 18. As the flangedportion 18 continues to translate through the channel 26, the flangedportion 18 is engaged by the cutting edge 34 of the cutting member 32and the resistance of the second wall 24 holds the protrusion 36 againstthe flanged portion 18. After the trailing edge of the flanged portion18 clears the cutting member 32, the elasticity of the second wall 24returns the protrusion 36 to its substantially undeflected position. Thecutting member 32 thereby cuts the blister substrate, or removes asection of the unit dose blister 16, such that the contents can beaccessed. The cutting edge 34 is preferably positioned below the blisterbubble 20, or so close to the perimeter of the blister bubble 20, suchthat the cutting edge 34 does not substantially project into the blisterbubble 20. A user may increase pressure on the cutting member 32 bypressing on the second wall 24.

In another exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a system includesadditional elements that facilitate the attachment of a cuttingapparatus 114 to a container 112. The container 112 includes a cutout140 disposed in a corner of the container 112 and apertures 142 disposedin opposing side walls of the container 112. The cutting apparatus 114includes side walls 144 and detents 146 that extend from the inside ofthe side walls 144. The cutting apparatus 114 is received in the cutout140 of the container 112. Additionally, the cutting apparatus 114 issecured to the container 112 as the detents 146 are received inrespective apertures 142.

In still another exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a system includesadditional elements that facilitate the attachment of a cuttingapparatus 214 to a container 212. The container 212 includes a cutout240 that defines a flap 242. The container 212 further includes slots250 in opposing walls that align with the cutout 240. The cuttingapparatus 214 includes an insert structure 252 that is sized and shapedto be received in the container 212 through cutout 240, and thatpositions cutting apparatus 214 in the cutout 240. The insert structure252 includes detents 254 that are designed to be received in respectiveslots 250. The cutting apparatus 214 can be secured to the container 212by inserting the insert structure 252 in the cutout 240 until thedetents 254 are received in the slots 250, thereby positioning thecutting apparatus 214 adjacent to the corner of the container 212. Insome embodiments the cutting apparatus 214 is positioned along thecenter of the container 212, while in other embodiments the cuttingapparatus 214 is positioned at other locations within the container 212.

In a further exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a system includes acutting apparatus 314 attached to a container 312. The cutting apparatus314 includes a first wall 322 and a second wall 324 that at leastpartially define a channel 326. In this embodiment, the walls 322, 324are substantially parallel to one another and each of the walls 322, 324extend from a base 328. A first support wall 330 is substantiallyperpendicular to the first wall 322 and extends from the top end of thefirst wall 322. A second support wall 331 is substantially perpendicularto the second wall 324 and extends from the top end of the second wall324.

The cutting apparatus 314 further includes a cutting member (not shown)that includes a cutting edge (not shown). The cutting member is disposedin the channel 326. The cutting member is positioned such that, as theillustrated unit dose blister 316 is translated through the channel 326,the cutting edge engages the flanged portion 318 of the unit doseblister 316. In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting member extendsfrom the first wall 322 toward the second wall 324. A protrusion 336extends from a cantilever 338, the cantilever 338 being defined by cutsin the second wall 324.

The protrusion 336 is positioned above, and substantially aligned with,the cutting member in the channel 326. The protrusion 336 is sized,shaped, and positioned to protect or hide the cutting member. Morespecifically, the protrusion 336 is designed such that items translatingbetween open ends of the channel 326, or items inserted in the top ofthe channel 326, are obstructed by the protrusion 336.

For purposes of teaching, and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment ofa method of attaching the cutting apparatus 314 to the container 312 isnow described. Referring to FIG. 6, a cutout 340 is formed in thecontainer 312 that is offset from a corner of the container 312. Thecutting apparatus 314 is received in the cutout 340 and the supportwalls 330, 331 are attached to opposing sides of the cutout 340.

To access the contents of the illustrated unit dose blister 316, theflanged portion 318 is translated through the channel 326. The leadingedge of the flanged portion 318 first engages the protrusion 336. Theprotrusion 336 is shaped such that, when the protrusion 336 is engagedby the leading edge of the flanged portion 318, the force against theprotrusion 336 causes the cantilever 338 to deflect. Accordingly, theprotrusion 336 moves to expose the cutting member to the leading edge ofthe flanged portion 318. As the flanged portion 318 continues totranslate through the channel 326, the flanged portion 318 is engaged bythe cutting edge of the cutting member and the elastic resistance of thecantilever 338 holds the protrusion 336 against the flanged portion 318.After the trailing edge of the flanged portion 318 clears the cuttingmember, the elasticity of the cantilever 338 returns the protrusion 336to its substantially undeflected position. The cutting member therebycuts the blister substrate or removes a section of the unit dose blister316 such that the contents can be accessed. The cutting edge ispreferably positioned below blister bubble 320, or close to theperimeter of the blister bubble 320, such that the cutting edge does notsubstantially project into the blister bubble 320.

In a still further exemplary embodiment of a system 410 for opening anencased article, shown in FIG. 7, the support wall 430 of a cuttingapparatus 414 as described herein can be inserted, press fit, orotherwise attached between the end flaps 442, 443 of a container 412.When the support wall 430 is inserted between the flaps 442, 443 of acontainer 412, a wedge-shaped space is defined between the container 412and the first wall 422 of the cutting apparatus 414. The first wall 422extends from the insertion area of the container 412, where the supportwall 430 is inserted between edge flaps 442, 443 of the container 412,at an angle relative to a wall of the container 412. The base 428 of thecutting apparatus 414 is thus set apart from the adjacent wall 413 (atop wall in the view illustrated) of the container 412. In thisembodiment, a user can press on the base 428 of the cutting apparatus414 to flex the first 422 and second 424 walls such that the wallsseparate to increase the width of the channel opening. As the secondwall 424 separates from the first wall 422, the cutting member (notfully shown) is at least partially exposed, and the channel is widenedto allow a unit dose blister or pouch to easily pass through thechannel. It should be noted that a protrusion (not fully shown)extending from one of the first and second walls of the cuttingapparatus 414 at least partially shields the cutting member in thisexemplary embodiment also.

Also, in this embodiment, the second wall 424 and base 428 of thecutting apparatus 414 can be pressed by a user to provide additionalfunctionality other than that of passively flexing the second wall. Forexample, the user can press the center area of the second wall, as aunit dose blister or pouch is translated through the channel, to applypressure that forces the cutting edge deeper through the blister orpouch. The cutting edge can be used for cutting or puncturing the unitdose blister or pouch. To puncture a unit dose blister or pouch, theunit dose blister or pouch can be placed in the channel of the cuttingapparatus between the cutting member and the second wall. The secondwall can then be pushed toward the first wall such that the edge of thecutting member punctures the backing or flanged portion of the unit doseblister or pouch.

In yet a further exemplary embodiment of a system 510 for openingencased articles shown in FIG. 8, a cutting apparatus 514 as describedherein can be attached to a container 512 such that the channel of thecutting apparatus is accessible in a space under a flap 542 of thecontainer 512. This embodiment is particularly useful for cutting orslicing pouches 586 (as illustrated in FIG. 8) that hold items to beaccessed. Further, the cutting apparatus 514 described herein may beconfigured to be removable from the container 512, which can provideadditional child resistance.

The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive toillustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims.Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplaryillustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding ofthe principles of the invention. Variations, modifications, andcombinations may be made to the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims. All such variations,modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of thisdisclosure and the following claims.

1. A system for opening an encased article, the system comprising: acontainer for storing at least one encased article, and a cuttingapparatus conjoined with said container, the cutting apparatusincluding: a channel defined by a first wall spaced apart from asubstantially parallel second wall; and a cutting member having acutting edge, attached to one of said first wall and said second walland disposed in said channel, wherein said cutting apparatus is receivedat least in part in said container such that said channel is disposedsubstantially inside said container, said container having a cutoutformed therein such that opposed open ends of said channel are exposedthrough said cutout to allow said channel to be accessible exteriorly ofsaid container.
 2. A system for opening an encased article, the systemcomprising: a container for storing at least one encased article, and acutting apparatus conjoined with said container, the cutting apparatusincluding: a channel defined by a first wall spaced apart from asubstantially parallel second wall; and a cutting member having acutting edge, attached to one of said first wall and said second walland disposed in said channel, wherein said cutting apparatus is receivedat least in part in said container such that said channel is disposedsubstantially inside said container, said container having a cutoutformed therein such that opposed open ends of said channel are exposedthrough said cutout to allow said channel to be accessible exteriorly ofsaid container, wherein said cutting apparatus further includes at leastone support wall extending from a respective one of said first wall andsaid second wall to engage with said container.
 3. The system of claim2, wherein said support wall is substantially perpendicular to saidrespective one of said first wall and said second wall from which saidsupport wall extends.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein said supportwall is adhered to an inside of said container.
 5. The system of claim2, wherein said cutting apparatus is fixed at a corner region of saidcontainer.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said cutting apparatus liessubstantially within said container.
 7. The system of claim 2, whereinsaid cutting apparatus further includes a protrusion disposed in saidchannel opposite said cutting member.
 8. The system of claim 7, whereinsaid protrusion depends from the other of said first wall and saidsecond wall opposite said one of said first wall and said second wall towhich said cutting member is attached.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereinsaid cutting apparatus further includes a relief notch for receivingsaid protrusion.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said relief notch isdisposed proximate a base of said cutting member.
 11. The system ofclaim 7, wherein said protrusion is transversely translatablesubstantially perpendicularly with respect to said channel.
 12. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein said cutout is positioned proximate a cornerof said container defined by two adjacent walls of said container,wherein said cutting apparatus is attached to respective inside surfacesof said adjacent walls such that said channel is substantially alignedwith said cutout.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said cutoutdefines a flap formed from part of one of said adjacent walls of saidcontainer, and one of said first and second walls of the cuttingapparatus is attached to an inside surface of said flap.
 14. The systemof claim 13, wherein said cutout extends across at least one of saidadjacent walls of said container to define a free end edge of said flap.15. A system for opening an encased article, the system comprising: acontainer for storing at least one encased article, and a cuttingapparatus conjoined with said container, the cutting apparatusincluding: a pair of first and second substantially parallel walls thatdefines a channel therebetween; and a cutting member attached to one ofsaid first and second walls and disposed in said channel, wherein saidcutting apparatus is received at least in part in said container suchthat said channel is disposed substantially inside said container,wherein said container has a cutout proximate a corner of said containerdefined by two adjacent walls of said container, wherein said cuttingapparatus is attached to respective inside surfaces of said adjacentwalls such that said channel is substantially aligned with said cutoutso as to be accessible from an outside of said container.
 16. The systemof claim 15, wherein said cutout defines a flap formed from part of oneof said adjacent walls of said container, and one of said first andsecond walls of the cutting apparatus is attached to an inside surfaceof said flap.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein said cutout extendsacross at least one of said adjacent walls of said container to define afree end edge of said flap.
 18. The system of claim 17 wherein saidcutout further extends along opposed side edges of said flap so thatopposed open end of said channel are exposed through said cutout.